ImageCourtesy: mirror.co.uk
The aura surrounding an El Clasico is always immense. Two clubs going at it for the ultimate battle of supremacy over the other makes for a lip-smacking contest more often than not. What makes it even more interesting is the fact that the fixture often extends beyond the boundaries of just football – may it be personal vendettas or political tug of wars. Last night’s El Clasico was no different, especially after the Gerard Pique vs Spanish fans controversy and his anti – Real Madrid statements, question marks over Rafa Benitez’s appointment for the Galacticos and other issues like the terror attacks in Paris leading to tightening of security at the Santiago Bernabeu. The return to action of a certain Lionel Messi made the clash only that much rosier for football fans the world over
The stage was set for a memorable encounter, and that’s what it turned out to be, although for different reasons to both sets of fans. In a match expected to be a tough outing for both sides, the Catalonian giants steamrolled their opposition to extend their lead at the top of the table to 6 points.
Barcelona looked comfortable on the ball form the very start, and just 11 minutes into the game, they struck gold with Sergi Roberto threading in an inch-perfect pass to Luis Suarez who fired the visitors to a 1-0 lead. A groin injury to Javier Mascherano could have been potential warning signs for the Catalans, but substitute Jeremy Mathieu looked solid and ensured that nothing went wrong on his watch. Neymar doubled the lead in the 39th minute following a beautiful passage of play culminating with Iniesta dribbling his way near the box for a through ball to the Brazilian’s feet. He struck a low effort from angle to beat Keylor Navas. Just at the stroke of half time, Barcelona almost wrapped things up with a 3rd goal, but for Marcelo who got in the way with a goal-line block to end proceedings for the first half, with the home fans sounding their frustration and disgust.
The second half seemed to start brightly for the hosts, with a half chance for Marcelo and another few tests for Claudio Bravo from distance. But just 8 minutes into the second half, Barcelona ended all hopes of a Real comeback for their rivals when Andres Iniesta silenced the Bernabeu, after a clever back-heeled lay-off by Neymar. A scorching bullet from the edge of the box by the Spaniard beat Keylor Navas comprehensively for the 3rdgoal. This also happened to be the first instance in which Iniesta both provided and scored in an El Clasico and deservingly earned a standing ovation from both sets of fans when he was subbed off. Lionel Messi was soon on the pitch, and it was the perfect scenario for him to make a comeback. A big match without the pressure of conjuring magic from the word ‘go’, would have allowed him to ease back into the game. Luis Suarez piled up on the misery for Madrid as he scored his second for the night – beating Navas with a cute chipped finish. To make matters worse, substitute Isco was sent off after a direct red card for a blatant kick on Neymar’s knee. A possible ‘Manita’ opportunity went searching after a low Neymar cross was shot off target by substitute Munir despite Pique waiting for the tap-in he wanted so desperately. It would have been a dream goal for Pique, and a kick in the guts for the Madrid supporters following the off-pitch events that have transpired, but that ending wasn’t to be. The match eventually ended 4-0 in the favour of the visitors, hence extending their point difference at the top of the table to a margin of 6 points.
The Clasico result could turn out to be a turning point in the La Liga season with Barcelona now in a strong position given the return of Lionel Messi, while Rafa Benitez is on the brink of an early exit from the Spanish capital.
Arsenal were masters of their own downfall, defending poorly, scoring an own goal, and missing a penalty which could have saved a point, as they lost 2-1 to West Brom at the Hawthorns. The Gunners welcomed back Hector Bellerin to the starting line-up with Kieran Gibbs selected on the left hand side, with Alexis moving over to the right
Arsenal gave us flashbacks of “The Same Old Arsenal” in the 11th minute when Francis Coquelin jarred his knee and was unable to continue. The first real chance of the game came to Alexis Sanchez, He tested the keeper with a nice curling free kick which flew over the wall but Boaz Myhill made a good save there to deny Arsenal.
Arsenal however, got their goal in the 28th minute when Alexis was fouled 30 yards from goal. Mesut Özil stepped up to take the freekick and curled one in into the 18 yard box. The unmarked Giroud timed his run really well and flicked in a header. Another goal for the Frenchman, another assist for the German. Arsenal slowly grew in confidence and Gibbs tried a curler which went over the bar.
West Brom were level in the 36th minute when a free kick was lofted into the box and James Morrison got the better of Bellerin to score a lovely goal over Cech. Game on.
Mikel Arteta, who came on for the injured Coquelin, gave the Baggies the lead, when he bundled the ball off his knee into his net, 5 minutes from the half-time whistle. James McClean, made a brilliant run off the left and hopefully sent a ball back into the danger area and Arteta, who was running back to provide cover, knee-d the ball past Petr Cech. Mikel Arteta, who had a horror outing, was later subbed off because of a calf problem. He was replaced by Flamini.
Ozil nearly sent Flamini through on goal but Johnny Evans managed to get back to deny the Frenchman a shot on goal. Wenger then cast the die, making his final change with Campbell coming on to replace Gibbs in the 63rd minute. The Baggies nearly scored when a header banged the crossbar and bounced down but Arsenal were awarded a free kick for offside much to Arsene Wenger’s relief.
In the 83rd minute, the visitors were awarded a penalty after Chris Brunt bought Alexis Sanchez to the ground for blatantly tugging his shirt in the box. Santi Cazorla stepped up to the spot-kick and slipped unfortunately to send the ball flying over the bar. Arsenal gave all they had but lacked the finishing touch and Arsene Wenger will be ruing the missed opportunity to go to the summit of the Premier League.
Tags: Arsenal Barcelona neymar Real Madrid
